Focusing device



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FOCUSING DEVICE. APPLlCATlON FILED NOV. 24. 1920.

Patnted Apr. 25, 1.922.

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K. G. LEE. FocusnNG nEvxcE. I APPLICATION FILED N0\(.A24I920.

Patnted Apr. 25, 1922.

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M. m T `A FOCUSING DEVICE.

APPLICATION HLED NovA 24, 1920.

Patented Apr. 25, 1922.

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UNITED lSTATES PATENT orifice.

KIAN GI LEE, 0F, CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS.

FOCUSING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented A131'. 25, 1922.

Application filed November v24, 1920. Serial No. 426,232.

Illinois, have invented certain newand use.

ful Improvements in Focusing Devices; and I do hereby declare the following tobe a full, clear, and exact desciiption of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appeit-ains to make and use the saine. r

This invention relates 4 to new and useful improvements in attachments for cameras `which may be readily applied to a camera without altering the construction "thereof and in. a manner similar to attaching an mary object theprovision of a device of the above-stated character which will provide a combined ilin holder and focusing device for the camera.

Another object of this invention is the provision of means whereby the object focused may be shown in a position right side up tothe photographer or operator.

A further object of this invention is the i provision of frames for supportingr a panel of ground glassand a mirror to reflect to the photographeran object in a position right side up andone of said vframes also supports the lilin for the camera. l

A further object of this invention is the provision of means for connecting the frames together and to the carrieraA so that the device may beA positioned to focus the camera on an objector be positionedV to place the lili'n in the camera to be exposed when the shutter ofv said camera is actuated.

A' further object of this invention is the provision of a tension means ,vliichwith'the aid of the weight of said frames will autoniatically reverse the position of the device on the camera. i

A further objectief this invention is the provision of a'vcollapsible eye shield connected to the frame, so that the photogra plier may easily observe the object reiiected by the mirror and which may be folded to 4lie between the framesl and permit of said frames being moved in close relation to each other, thereby forming a compact device on the camera when not in use. f

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a focusing device of the above-stated character which will be simple, durable and efficient, and which may be manufactured and sold at a comparatively low cost.

`Witli these and other objects'in view, as

will' become more apparent as the descripltion proceeds, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction, combina- 'tionY and arrangement of partsas will be hereinafter more fully described, and claimed. i f

yF or a complete understanding of my invention, reference is to be had to the `following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a side elevation illustrating la focusing device constructed in accordance -with my invention, applied to a camera. ordinary'plate holder, and has for its priing thefdevice removed. from the camera and in a folded position, i

Figure 7 isa top plan view illustrating the saine,

i Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the device in a folded position.

F igureff) is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating` the device in a folded position.

Figure i0 is a plan view illustrating the `combined mirror supporting fame and film holder,

Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the eye shield removed from the device,

Figure l2 is a plan view illustrating the i tension means,V

Figure i3 is a perspective view illustrating one of the catches,

Figure 14 is a similar view illustrating a keeper.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral l indicates an ordinary camera and to apply my invention thereto, the usual back is removed. A main frame. 2 of rectangular formation is provided with grooves 8 to receive the usual ribs formed on the body 4 .of the camera l. The main frame 2 has secured to itssides vertically disposed guide plates 5 which project rearwardly of the main frame and arc provided with vertically disposed slots 6. The ends of the slots 6 communicate with L-shaped slots T formed in the guide plates and which cooperate vith the slots 6 in forming resilient terminals 8 to said guide slots 6.

A. ground glass frame 9 is associated with the main il 'ame 2 and has a bead or flange 10 formed the con which tits within a recess formed within the main franie. rllhe frame 9 supports a panel of ground glass 11 and also is provided with v'ertically disposed grooves 12. A hinge 13 has its leaf 1li secured to the frame 9 by suitable 'lfeasteners and the leaf 15 is secured to the combined film and mirror frame 16 whereby the latter is hingedly connected to the ground glass frame 9. The frames 9 and 16 are provided with beveled faces at points where the leaves 1li and 15 of the hinge 13 are connected and said beveled faces are adapted to limit the movement of the frame 16 outwardly from the frame 9 beyond a given distance. The leaf 15 of the hinge 13 has formed integrally therewith a pair of arms 17 on which are formed pairs of pintles 18 and 19. The pair of pintles 18 fit within the guide slots 6 of the guide plates 5, while the pintles 19 have pivoted thereto tension members 20. The tension members 20 are of substantially V-shape, delining arms 21 and 22 connected by a semicircular tension creating portion 23. The arms 22 of the tension members 20 are pivoted on the pintles 19 while the ends of the arms 21 are pivotally connected to the guide plates 5, as illustrated at 211.

T he frame 16 supports a mirror 25 and is provided with a partition 26 that forms a lilm compartment 27 adapted to receive a pack of films which seats upon a tension spring 2S. The frame 16 is provided with a slot 29 in communication with the coinpartment 27 to receive the usual tabs of the film pack. A. slide 30 is adapted to close the i'ilm compartment 27 lto prevent accidental exposure of the lilin and extends through a slot in one end of the frame 16 so that the saine can be removed. when the frame 16 has been positioned to place the film pack within the camera.

A double clutch 31 is secured to the frame 9 and one end thereof is adapted to engage a keeper 32 secured to the main frame 2 for holding the frame 9 in contact with the latter and the other end of the catch 31 is adapted to engage a keeper secured to the frame 16 for holding` the latter in engagement with the frame 9. A single catch 3-1- is secured 'to the frame 16 and is adapted to engage a keeper 35 on the main frame 2 when said frame 16 has been positioned to place the film pack within the camera.

An eye shield 36 is associated with the frames 9 and 16 and consists of a rectangular plate 37 provided with a sight opening 38 over which is positioned a pyramid-shaped spring frame 39 and the latter has secured thereto a fabric covering l The plate 37 is provided with pintles 4:1 and l12 and the pintles l1 fit within recesses in the frame 16 whereby said plate 37 is hingedly connected to the frame 16, while the pintles 12 lit within the groove 12 of the frame 9, thereby providing a construction which will permit the plate 37 to slide in relation to the frame 9 and occupy a position overlying the mirror and in a plane substantially parallel there with. The plate 3T occupies this position when vthe device is in non-use or in a folded position as shown in Figure 1. Triangularshaped plates 13 are hinged tothe side edges of the plate 37 and are adapted to close the space between the frames 9 and 16 when said frame 16 is extended in relation to the frame 9. Leaf springs L111 are secured to the plate 37 and bear against the triangular-shaped plates for holding said plates in operative position but which will permit of said triangular-shaped plates 43 being folded one over the other under the plate 37 when desiring to collapse the device.

To collapse the device in a position as shown in Figure 1 from the position shown in Figure 3, the spring 39 is compressed against the plate 3S and the plate 33 is pushed downwardly in relation to the frame 9 bringing the same into a. plane substantially with the mirror 25. Before pressing the plate 38 downwardly, the triangularshaped plates 13 are folded one over the other against the plate 38. lVith the plates 37 and in the position described and with the spring 39 still compressed manually, the frame 16 is moved in the direction of the frame 9 until the riglit hand end of the catch 31 engages the keeper 33 thus firmly locking` the frame 16 in engagement with the frame 9 and forming a compact device as shown in Figure 1.

lith the device in the position shown in Figure 1, the arms 21 and Q2 of the tension members 20 are positioned in close relation to each other, placing said tension members under tensioii and the catch 31 is disei'igziged from the keeper and the frame 9 is moved into a position as shown in Figures 3 or The catch 31 is then disengaged from the lreeper 35 and the members 20 being under tension will swing the frame 16 from the main frame 2 with the pintlesI 18 acting as pivots and said pintles 1S then slide downnf'ardly in the slots 6 of the guide plates which causes the fran'ies 16 and 9 to swing in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figures 3 or 5 and assume a position as shown in Figures 2 or 4- with the catch 31 in engage-ment with the keeper 32, ready for the photographer to use the device to focus the camera on an object. rllhe photographcr looking downwardly through the `eye shield will see the object through the camera Jin a positionY right side up. After proper focusing of the camera and it is desired to expose the film, the catch 31 is disengaged from the keeper 32, which allows the frames 9 and 16 to swing away from the main frame 2 by gravity and this movement places the members 20 under tension to 4aid vin positioning the device as shown in Figures 3 or 5. With the frames 9 and 16 swung away from the main frame 2 by` gravity, they are moved upwardlywith the pintles 18 sliding upwardly in the slots G and said frames 9 and 16 during this movement swing in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figui-esi) or 4t, which positions the ilni compartment oli' the frame 16 neXt to the camera and with the catch 34 in engagement with the keeper 35. The slide 30 is then withdrawn so that the film may be eX posed by the actuation of the shutter 'of the .camera or in the usual way.

lVhen 'the device is in the last named po! sition, itinay be collapsed if desired by first folding the eye shield and then swinging lthe iframe 9 into an engagement with the frame 16 which permits the catch 34 to engage the keeper 35 or, if the device is in a position shown in Figure 2 or. 4, it may be collapsed by first folding the eye shield and moving the frame 16 into engagement with the 'frame 9 and the catch 31 then engages the keeper 33 and -retainsl the device in a folded position with the film department disposed outermost.

llhile I have shown and `described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood thatminor changes in construction, combination and arrangement of parts may be made without departing trom thespirit and scope ofthe invention as claimed. f j

Y l-lavingthus described my invention, what Iclaimis:

1. A camera A, attachment comprising a ground glass frame, mirror frame, a ground glass panel cairiedby the ground glass frame, a mirror carried by the mirror traine, means movably connecting the frames together, means for supporting a film in the mirror frame, and means connecting' the trames to a camera and adapted to permit either of said trames to be positioned next to the camera. 4

2. A camera attachment comprising a pair of frames, means hingedly connecting said f 1ames together, a mirror carried by one of said frames, a ground glass panel carried by theV other frame, means adjustablyconnecting the frames to a camera, `and means for supporting a film by one of the frames.

3. A camera attachment comprising a pair of frames, a mirror carried by one of said trames, a ground glass panel carried by the other frame, means for supporting a pack of films within one ofthe frames, means adjustably connecting the frames to a camera tor permitting their positions to be reversed upon the camera, and an eye shield associated with said frames.

l 4t. A camera attachment comprising a pair of frames, a hingenconnecting said trames, a mirror carried by one ot said frames, a ground glass' panel carried by the other iframe, a collapsible eye shield carried by the 'frames and capable of being folded to per mit the frames to be moved in close relation pair, means for connecting the pair of frames to theV main frame and adapted to permit the positions ofthe framesto be reversed in respect tothe main frame, means for supporting a pack of films in one of the frames of said pair, and a collapsible eye shield associated with the pairofl' frames.

6. A cameraA attachment comprising a main frame associated with a camera, a ground glass frame, a mirror frame associated with the main frame, a mirror car# ried by the mirror` Jframe, a ground glass panel carried by the ground glass frame, a hinge 'connecting the ground glass frame to the mirror frame, a compartment in the mirror frame for supportinga film pack, a removable slide for 'concealing the film pack, a. collapsibleeye shield hinged to the mirror trame `and slidably connected to the ground glass frame, and means for adjustably connectingthe mirror and ground glass frames to the main frame.

7 A camera attachment comprising a main frame associated with a camera, guide plates securedgto the main frame and having vertical slots, a ground glass frame, a mirror frame, frames associated with the main `vframe, a mirror carried by the mirror frame,

a panel of ground glass carried by the ground-glass frame, a hinge connecting the mirror and the ground glass frames together, integral arms formed on said hinge, pintles formed on said arms and fitting within the slots, tension means connected to the guide plates and to the arms, and a collapsible eye shield connected to the mirror and ground glass frames.

8. A camera attachment comprising a main frame associated with a camera, mirror and a glass frame, a mirror frame, a

binge connecting the ground glass and mirror trames, integral arms on said hinge and extending parallel with the mirror trame, guide plates carried by the main frame and having vertical slots, pintles on said arms and received by said slots, a mirror carried by the mirror frame, a ground lglass panel carried by the ground glass frame7 tension members of substantially vshape pivoted to the Lguide plate and to the arms, and an eye shield associated with the mirror andground glass trames.

9. A camera vattachment comprising a main frame associated with the camera, `guide plates carried by said main trame and having slots, said guide plates having` branch slots in communication with the ends ot the lirst named slots to form resilient terminals, a ground glass frame, a mirror frame associated with the main trame, a hinge connecting the mirror and ground glass frames, integral arms `formed on the hinge, pintles carried by said arms and fitting;- within the first named slots, tension members pivoted to said arms and to the guide plates, a collapsible eye shield carried by the mirror and ground glass frames, a double catch carried by the ground glass trame, a keeper carried by the main frame and adapted to be engaged by one of the ends of said catch when the device is in one of its positions, a single catch carried by the mirror frame, a keeper carried by the mirror frame and adapted to be engaged by one end of the double catch to hold the device in a collapsed position, a keeper carried by the main trame and adapted to be enga-gedby the single catch to hold the device in a collapsed position.

10. A camera attachment comprisingr a main frame associated with a camera, mov* able frames associated with the main trame, a ground glass Vpanel carried by one of the movable frames, a mirror carried by one of the movable frames, means hingedly connecting the movable 'fra-Ines together, means connecting the movable trames to the main trame and capable ott permitting said movable iframes to change their positions in respect to the main frame, a plate pivoted to one of the movable frames and slidably connected to the other movable frame and having a rectangular opening, spring pressed triangular-shaped plates hinged to the side edges ot' the plate and adapted to close the space between the movable frames, a pyramid-shaped spring carried by said plate about the opening, a cloth cover carried by said spring, a catch for lmlding one of the movable frames in engagement with the main i'rame7 a catch carried by one oit the movable frames i'or holding the latter in cngagement with the main trame, said first catch adapted to hold the movable trames in close relation.

11. A camera comprising a ground glass frame, a mirror frame carrying trames, means movably connecting said 'frames together, film supporting means carried by the mirror frame, and means for movably connecting the iframes to a camera to per mit either of the frames to be positioned across the rear side of the camera.

12. A camera comprising` a `ground frame, a mirror frame, film supporting means carried by the mirror trame, and means for movably connecting the :trames to a camera to permit either of the frames to be positioned across the rear side of the camera.

13. A camera comprising a ground glass trame, a mirror frame, tilm f-:upportingmeans carried by the mirror trame, and means tor connecting the frames to a camera to permit either oit the trames to be positioned across the rear side of the camera.

111. A camera comprisinp` a` ground Aglass traine, a mirror iframe angular-ly related to the ground glass trame, a Film supporting means carried by the mirror frame, and means 'for connecting the trames to a camera to permit either ol the 'trames to be positioned across the rear side oll the camera.

l5. A camera comprisingv a ground `glass frame, a mirror frame7 film supportingT means carried by the mirror iframe, and means for pivotally and slioably connectin the frames to the camera to permit either oi said frames to be positioned across the rear side ot the camera.

16. A camera comprising a ground glass frame7 a. mirror frame, film supporting means carried by the mirror frame, means for connecting the 'frames to a camera to permit either of the frames to be positioned across the rear side of the camera, and means for 'folding said trames in either of their positions.

In testimony whereof I aliix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

KIAN GIE LEE.

lVitnesses:

M. M. MILLER, R. C. WHITE. 

